jtron

i did a little bit of research and i couldnt find anything where these two cars are compaired. basically im looking to buy my first porsche and thes two models are my favoires and are in my price range. im just interested in what you guys think about each car. i know that they both have the same engine and similar bodies but thats about it. thanks for the help.

Zporsche944

944 looks a million times better is worth more and has more options. 924 prob would be the best for track, 944 more for weekend car daily driver, and track but I think the 924S is faster.

jtron

that makes sense. i think im leaning towards the 924S because it would not be my daily driver.

Dave951M

The 24S has better top end due to aerodynamics but it isn't earth shattering, nor would it be noticable in daily use. Both are great cars, pick what you like.

Techno Duck

Personally i would go with a late model 944. The interior is much nicer than the early style. But if you happen to like the dated look of the interior, too each his own.

michaelathome

A good source for information might be http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html it has some info on the 924 and 944 as well as others.

It is my understanding that when the 944 was released to US in '83 is was more or less based on the 924 with some BIG engine, body and suspension modifications (bigger brakes) as well as what some might phrase as luxury options. The 924S was "basically" the same 2.5L released in '83 with more up to date engine electronics, newer interior and minor suspension modifications. By '87 the 944 had more modifications and a larger engine than the original '83 944.

I guess that it all depends on the years that you are looking at and the price range. Personally I chose an '83 for the 944's ability to be upgraded and the few #'s of '83's on the road. Try putting a larger wheel and brakes on a 924S and have it look right?

I am probubly gonna hear it from a lagre crowd but if you were to buy an '83-'85.5 944 or an '87 924S the biggest changes were "cosmetics" and bringing the car up to date.

Ouch, I said it...... I am sure that I am going to hate the replies I in the morning.

Michael

dgz924s

Owned both.....kept the 924S....2" narrower and lighter. Same interior as pre 85.5. Steel A arms not like aluminum on late models....not as good as steel so many opt for the 83 model 944 for this reason.

You will pay more on a 944 for the extra 2" of fender and facia. That is all there is in difference, early 944 that is.

Wheel options are better on a 944 but at less HP to weight ratio than 924S large wheels are not that beneficial. Too much wheel kills speed and 134HP is not enough to spin wide 16-17" wheels/tires. Many racing are running 15" 225/245 range. I had large meat on mine and went smaller, gained a second or 2.

Chris_924s

Both have attributes some love- others hate. The 924S is visually spartan inside- but none of the stuff you dont need. The late 944's have a much more visually appealing interior- has an "updated" look to it.
The PM and driving experience is very similar- the late 944's feel more "comfortable" and refined.

I prefer the early dash layout- it's just what I am used to.

I obviously kept the 924S, and will continue to do so. I love the look feel and handling of both- there is room in my heart (and keyring) for... lets say a Guards 89 951..

elf89

I've liked the looks of the 944 better ever since they came out, but after owning one and hanging out here, I have a much better appreciation for the 924 series, especially for their uniqueness. The 924S would make a great middle ground with the better motor, and a little lighter to boot.

Either way, you'll enjoy either of them so just decide which will look better on you. Good luck!

lilredpo

Check out the Red '87 924S in the classified section. Excellent condition, very low original miles. Price is very negoitable.

I posted it for a friend's Dad who lives in RI.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be happy with either model!

dgz924s

Forgot to mention the gauges are yellow on pre 85.5 and white on the 924S. I prefer white. My 944 had yellow and it seem to stick out like a sore thumb.

Speaking of electrical, I can't speak for the 944 crowd but you are going to experience some electrical "gremlins" on a 924S....errrrrrr! All the gauges suck IMO!

M758

a 924S and a 944 are pretty much the same.

Really a 924S is 944 with narrow fenders.

It has the early 83-85 interior with standard 87 and 88 944 motors. Rear suspension is the same as 85.5 and 86 cars. No ABS on the cars. Offset is late offset due to need to clear the narrow fenders. Front suspension is same as 83-85 944.

In general the 924S was the entry level car so it is likely there are fewer options on the cars.

Matt

jtron, what kind of use do you expect to put the car to? That makes some difference. If autox and/or track is on the agenda I'd give the edge to the 924S. Also, for the same money you can probably get a newer 924S than 944 in comparable condition, and that matters.

To answer a couple of points -

The engine in the 924S is the same as in the comparable year 944 (not true of euro cars). For instance, the 924S has the automatic timing belt tensioner, the early 944 doesn't. The 924S has a slightly lower (higher numerically) fifth gear ratio, provides a little better accelleration in 5th.

You can fit all the tire you'll need under the 924S fenders. A number of folks run 225/50/16 fronts and 245/45/16 rears, though it's a tight fit.

In 8 years I haven't had any electrical problems.

The 924S in the classifieds looks like a beauty, that kind of mileage is rare, and it's not that far from Vermont. Price is high, but lilredpo noted that it's negotiable.

Either model, you'll have fun.

Matt

Stan944

If you ever intend to autoX your 944/924S, you better check with you club which class they run in. As an example, technically speaking, you can change the wheels on 924S to match those of 944, etc., but that may bring you to a different class, and make you uncompetitive.

lleroyb

1987 Road and Track had a comparison of the whole 4 cyl Porsche line up. I gave the copy I had to the new owners of my '87, but you may be able to find it on the web? Sorry I don't recall the month.

I do recall the 924S was a little faster as mentioned above. 944 N/A cornered the best, probably due to tires. They moaned about the "dated interior" of the 924S, kind of irrelevant 17 years later. I don't know about the rear brakes on a 924S, they may be drums. Could someone with one answer this? That would be a determining factor to me, for some stupid reason.

Either way, you win!

Lou